Keen On America The School of Misery: The Children of a Manufactured Miracle
Jan 5, 2026
In this enlightening conversation, Erica L. Green, a New York Times education reporter and co-author of *Miracle Children*, teams up with investigative journalist Katie Benner. They delve into the troubling realities of T.M. Landry, a school once hailed as a miracle but marred by exploitation and deceit. Topics include the manipulation of student narratives in college applications, the racial dynamics at play, and the complexities surrounding the school's founders. Their insights challenge conventional notions of success in education and illuminate the systemic issues that need urgent reform.
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Schools As A Mirror Of Society
- Schools mirror society and have long been battlegrounds for civil rights and opportunity.
- Erica L. Green says education both divides and unites the nation by who gets access and power.
Founders Built A “Miracle” School
- Mike and Tracy Landry built TM Landry as a promised pathway out of poverty for local students.
- Katie Benner reports they used colleges' desire for diverse Black applicants to market their school.
Charisma Enabled Trust And Control
- The Landrys presented charismatic, relatable life stories to persuade families they understood struggle.
- Erica L. Green says that persona helped them become avatars of the American dream for local Black students.
